Why did the family ask for 200 pounds in the monkeys paw story?

In "The Monkey's Paw" by W.W. Jacobs, the family asks for £200 as compensation for the loss of their son, Herbert, who dies in a tragic accident shortly after they use the magical paw to wish for wealth. The sum represents the amount they would need to alleviate their financial struggles, reflecting their desperation and the unintended consequences of tampering with fate. This wish ultimately serves as a pivotal moment that highlights the dangers of greed and the unforeseen repercussions of their actions.